Discover Classes. Earn 10% Rewards.

Nature Tours Classes Chicago

Upcoming schedule view

Discover the wonders of nature in Chicago with classes on urban gardening, wildlife observation, and outdoor photography. Dive into the rich ecosystems of the city and learn how to foster sustainable practices in this urban environment.

7 classes have spots left

Historic and Amazing Trees of America

Chicago Botanic Garden

The various landscapes of the United States—mountains, deserts, forests, swamps, and even the White House lawn—are often defined by their trees.  You will learn about some of the most famous trees in our country and about the role U.S. presidents have played in establishing our national parks to protect these natural resources. Note: This class will be taught online via Zoom.  All registrations must be submitted online two days before...

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Nesting Birds of Barbara Brown Reserve

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Explore and study the nesting birds of the Garden. Learn how to identify their territorial songs and how to perform a nesting bird survey. The walk begins at the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve and covers birds of the prairies, as well as herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a field guide, if you have them. A map will be sent.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Seasonal Tree Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you embark on a captivating journey through the changing landscapes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Discover the hidden stories and secrets of the unique trees that grace each section of the Garden in this enlightening morning walk.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
Discover Classes. Earn Rewards.

Nature Tours Classes Gift Card

Thousands of classes & experiences. No expiration. Gift an experience this holiday season and make it a memorable one. Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™

Buy a Gift Card

Forest Bathing Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Embark on a rejuvenating journey through nature's embrace with our immersive forest experience. Embrace the therapeutic benefits of Shinrin-yoku as you engage all your senses in the healing power of the forest. Join us for a mindful walk amidst nature's tranquility, culminating in a serene forest tea ceremony.

(126) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Family Shinrin-yoku

The Resiliency Institute @ 9016 South La Grange Road, Willow Springs, IL

Forest therapy walks with your family offer an opportunity to connect with each other and with nature in a way that slows everyone down, engages the senses, and awakens wonder. Find your inner child by seeing the forest through your children's eyes. Get down close to the ground to watch ants crawl or build a rock cairn together. Forest Therapy/Shinrin-yoku is a practice of spending time in nature or forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health,...

(2) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Therapy Tuesdays

The Resiliency Institute @ 16W560 Bluff Rd, Willowbrook, IL

Forest Therapy/Shinrin-yoku is a practice of spending time in nature or forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, well-being, and happiness. There is a specific intention to connect to the landscape by mindfully moving in ways that cultivate presence, sensory awareness, and nature communication. Cultivate fascination and gratitude for the natural world by engaging in a regular nature practice. Awaken your senses to new noticings and settle...

(2) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Therapy Winter Walks

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Take a mindful walk with a certified Forest Therapy guide on a trail at the Morton Arboretum as you awaken your senses and reconnect with nature. The walks will visit different locations at the Arboretum and will include a variety of awareness-raising exercises. The walks will conclude with tea made from edible...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Backpacking Basics

The Morton Arboretum

Deepen your connection to trees and nature by learning to backpack. Spending a night in the wilderness is a unique way to connect with nature, but it’s important to have the right “know-how” so you can enjoy your trip safely--and protect the place you’re visiting! In this workshop, you will learn about Trip planning Gear, clothing, and footwear How to pack your backpack Food Hygiene Water filtration Safety (including first aid, the ten essentials,...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Full Moon Tram Tour

The Morton Arboretum

Discover what happens at the Arboretum at night, when no one is around. With the moon shining through the trees, a tram ride reveals a captivating symphony of sounds, mysterious spaces, and wildlife on the move.  During our ride and short hikes, we will discuss night ecology, share stories of moon lore, and enjoy the magic of nature at night. Notes: Held entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on wood chip...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Plants for Wilderness Survival

The Morton Arboretum

Learn the many ways that plants can help you stay alive in the wild. Our modern lives are often disconnected from nature, and many of the old skills and knowledge are on their way to being lost. In this interactive workshop, participants will rediscover how humans have used and relied upon plants for survival for generations. You will learn how to: Find and make tinder from plants Build and start a fire Use plants to gather water Construct a bowl...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Human+Nature Solstice Tram Tour

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Celebrate the connection we have with nature on this evening solstice tram ride. As you wind through the Arboretum’s grounds, watch the sun set behind the Human+Nature sculptures. Enjoy stories about the trees of the Arboretum and their roles in human lives. Discover solstice traditions and keep an eye out for active wildlife along the way. Notes: Held entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on wood chip paths....

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Turtle ID and Ecology

The Morton Arboretum

Explore the fascinating ecology of turtles and learn techniques for monitoring their biodiversity for management purposes. Discover how the health of turtle populations is tied to tree and woodland health. Search for turtles on the grounds of the Arboretum using different monitoring methods. Discuss how many turtles typically share a habitat, review the concerns with turtle species introductions, and learn how to identify endangered and threatened...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Dragonfly Stroll

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Chase dragonflies with Cindy Crosby, dragonfly monitor and author of the book Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History. Take an easy, one-hour stroll along Meadow Lake’s paved paths with the author to spot dragonflies and damselflies in their natural habitat. Space is limited so sign up soon! Notes: Held outdoors; includes walking on paved trails. Please dress for the weather

(15) All levels 21 and older
No upcoming schedules

Winter Tree ID

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Learn to identify trees after they shed their leaves for the winter. Develop the skills to identify winter trees on your own using clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns.  Before your in-person class, get basic skills and terminology with a short, online lesson. Then spend your time at the Arboretum in the field with an expert, learning to ID trees on the grounds. Common Urban Trees will focus on common trees...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Therapy Walk (Two Hour)

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide. No two walks are the same; visit different locations at The Morton Arboretum and enjoy a variety of awareness-raising exercises. "’Forest bathing’ suggests to me a more casual experience among the...

(15) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Intro to Ecological Restoration (Online and In-person)

The Morton Arboretum

Meeting locations for in-person classes: Saturday, April 10, 9:00 a.m.: Thornhill Shelter (park in Parking Lot 21) Saturday, April 17, 9:00 a.m.: Prairie Visitor Station (Parking Lot 25) Discover the principles and practice of ecosystem restoration. Ecological restoration is a process for recovering forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems that have been degraded. Challenge your assumptions and have conversations about ecological restoration...

(15) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Trolls After Dark Hike

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

The Arboretum closes at dusk, so enjoy this special opportunity to see the mysterious forest protectors under the light of the moon. As you navigate the west side trails, your guide will entertain you with stories about the trolls’ origins, their message of conservation, and what the trees and wildlife are up to during the long dark nights when no one else is around. The hike will begin at Thornhill Education Center before heading out to the west...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Forest Therapy Walk (Three Hour)

The Morton Arboretum

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Awaken your senses and reconnect with nature during these mindful walks with a certified Forest Therapy guide. No two walks are the same; visit different locations at The Morton Arboretum and enjoy a variety of awareness-raising exercises. "’Forest bathing’ suggests to me a more casual experience among the...

(15) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Basic Tree ID

The Morton Arboretum @ 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL

Learn to identify the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood.  Use characteristics such as leaves, bark, branches, flowers, and fruit to ID a tree.  Learn to use keys and field guides. Walk the grounds of the Arboretum with an expert, who will point out key identifiers of common trees. See and understand your natural surroundings in a new way. Notes: Held indoors and outdoors.

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Garden Walk: Spring Maintenance (Online)

The Morton Arboretum

Take a virtual stroll through the Arboretum's gardens with horticulturist Sharon Yiesla, and load up on practical tips and inspiration for this growing season. As you enjoy the perennial garden beds from the comfort of your home, you’ll learn about plant placement, dividing, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, mulching and more. Get answers to your gardening questions with an interactive Q&A segment. Knowing what to do and when to do it...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
Reset all filters.

No results found

Try removing some filters.

Nature Tours Classes in Chicago are rated 4.3 stars based on 143 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

CourseHorse Gift Cards

  • Creative & unique gift for any occasion
  • Thousands of classes & experiences
  • No expiration date
  • Instant e-delivery (or choose a date)
  • Add a personalized message
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™
Buy a Gift Card
gift card with the CourseHorse logo gift card with the CourseHorse logo
Loading...